Muscle
Opponens digiti minimi
Turns the fifth metacarpal to cup the palm
High-yield
Its attachment to the metacarpal explains its role in cupping the palm. The other short little-finger movers attach farther along, to the proximal phalanx.
Overview
Deep within the hypothenar pad, this muscle acts on the fifth metacarpal. It draws that bone forward and rotates it, helping the little-finger side of the hand meet the thumb.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Hamate hook and adjacent flexor retinaculum
- Insertion
- Ulnar surface of the fifth metacarpal shaft
- Action
- Flexes and rotates the fifth metacarpal to deepen the palm
- Innervation
- Deep ulnar nerve branch, mainly C8–T1
- Blood supply
- Muscular branches of the ulnar artery
Frequently asked questions
What does the opponens digiti minimi do?
The opponens digiti minimi flexes and rotates the fifth metacarpal to deepen the palm.
What nerve innervates the opponens digiti minimi?
Deep ulnar nerve branch, mainly C8–T1.
Where does the opponens digiti minimi attach?
The opponens digiti minimi originates from the hamate hook and adjacent flexor retinaculum and inserts on the ulnar surface of the fifth metacarpal shaft.
What is the blood supply of the opponens digiti minimi?
The opponens digiti minimi is supplied by the muscular branches of the ulnar artery.